Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Arizona College-Mesa

Arizona College-Mesa's allied health program delivers decent value despite being a middle-tier performer within Arizona. While the program ranks in the 65th percentile nationally—beating nearly two-thirds of similar programs across the country—it sits at the 40th percentile among Arizona schools, meaning 60% of comparable in-state programs produce higher earnings.

The $9,500 debt load creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning graduates typically owe about four months' salary. However, the earnings trajectory is concerning: graduates see virtually no income growth over four years, with median pay creeping from $29,388 to just $29,838. This suggests limited career advancement opportunities in the field. For context, top Arizona programs like Pima Medical Institute produce graduates earning around $32,000—about $2,000 more annually.

The program serves a predominantly low-income student population (84% receive Pell grants), which adds context to the modest earnings. While the debt level is reasonable and the program provides stable entry-level healthcare employment, parents should understand this is largely a flat-earning field with limited upside. If your child is committed to medical assisting, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt, but stronger options exist within Arizona that offer better earning potential for similar training costs.